Q: I have several rental properties, and lately I’ve been spending a ton of money remodeling them because I allow pets. Do you think I should begin refusing tenants with pets?
Dave: This is a tough one for me because I have three dogs of my own. I’ve got a pug that’s older than dirt, a shih tzu with an attitude, and the best golden retriever on the planet. I love animals, and, like you, I’ve got a lot of rental properties. But I don’t allow animals in my properties.

Some people have accused me of hating all animals except my own. I can tell you that’s not true. But the fact is a lot of people don’t take good care of their animals and keep an eye on them. It’s hard enough to find trustworthy, responsible renters these days, and if you add a dog or cat on top of that, you’re just asking for trouble. I’ve had situations in the past where I had to spend $10,000 to clean up a house after a tenant had a dog or cat in there. They’ll chew things up, stain and stink things up, and tear things up. Sometimes you even have to replace the floorboards!

I had a lady offer me a $10,000 deposit the other day on one of my properties just so she could move in with her dog. I said no. It’s in all my leases now—no animals. I don’t allow them in at the beginning, and if one of my tenants gets one after they move in, they either have to find a new home for the animal or move out themselves. At that point they’re in violation of the lease.

The problem is I really do have a heart for animals. I love them. But as a landlord who’s running a business, it just doesn’t make sense.

Dave RamseyDave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations and The Dave Ramsey Channel on iHeart Radio. Follow Ramsey on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at www.daveramsey.com.

Healthy Cooking with Kids

Money Management

THE SOUTHWESTERN FAMILY

Southwestern has a 160+year history of nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit.
Established in Nashville, Tennessee in 1855,Southwestern is a diversified, growing,international, employee-owned company.
With new companies emerging within the family constantly,we are proud to be part of this growing family.